The university made the announcement Wednesday afternoon. Southern Conference football rival Georgia Southern announced its move to the Sun Belt earlier Wednesday.

ASU has been in the SoCon since 1971 and has won 10 conference football titles. It also won three straight national titles from 2005 to 2007 in the lower-tier Football Championship Subdivision.

As part of the FBS transition, ASU football will not be able to compete for an FCS title in 2013 or compete in a bowl game in 2014 due to NCAA rules. All other sports will still be eligible for postseason appearances in both years.

The Mountaineers field hockey team will continue to compete in the NorPac Field Hockey Conference, and men's soccer and wrestling will stay in the SoCon.